10% of Americans studying abroad choose Italy

According to a research by the Institute of International
Education (IIE) studying abroad can be a great career booster. Apparently, as
it emerged from an IIE survey, most of the HR departments took into
consideration their recruits’ international experience when hiring, promoting
and deciding on a new assignment. Nothing new so far, but the surprising data
is that 10% of Americans who study abroad go to Italy, which takes second place
only to the U.K.

Not only American students prefer to study in Europe but
also UK students are now more likely to study on the continent, especially
since the introduction of much higher tuition fees, which made studying abroad
a good cheaper alternative to a traditional British degree.

As the “Guardian” reported, a survey of 500 school
leavers and undergraduates, carried out by “Prospects”, showed that a quarter of
them were planning to study abroad, over 70% more were considering it, and only
4% showed no interest at all.

Studying in Italy is cheaper than in the UK and tuition
fees are calculated on the basis of parent’s income. Accommodation is cheaper
especially in smaller less touristic cities.

There are around 32,000 foreign students in Italy,
including those on exchange programmes and independent students.

EU students do not need a visa to study in Italy, they
however need to apply for a residence permit by registering with the local
police within three months of arrival.

All international students are entitled to the same
student assistance services as Italian students, on the basis of the same
requisites of financial means and/or merit. This applies to scholarships,
student loans, housing assistance and meal tickets.

The University of Bologna is Italy’s highest-rated
institution, coming in at 188th in the QS 2013–14 World University Rankings.
The “Sapienza” University of Rome is next at 196th, followed by the “Politecnico”
di Milano at 230th position.

Altogether there are 89 universities in Italy, along with
a number of polytechnics and other academies that form part of the higher
education sector. The number of courses available in English at all levels is
growing and there are now subjects taught entirely in English.